Are You a Light or a Dying Ember?

I know this post will not be very popular with some because its purpose is to serve more as a warning than as an uplifting message. Nevertheless, it is the truth. No, not my truth but God’s truth, backed up by His Word.

The Word tells us, “But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.” (Prov 4:18-19 NKJV). As each day passes and we get closer to the return of Jesus, I believe that people will notice the light within each born again child of God growing brighter and brighter. That is, as long as we continue to walk in obedience to Him.

Here is where the warning comes in. The Light shining within you is going to put a target on your back and not all are going to respond kindly to that Light. You may be thinking, “Why are you telling us this? This is common sense information.” True, but I’m not referring to those who do not know Jesus. I am referencing those who claim to be members of the Body of Christ and who claim to walk in His Light, yet walk in a manner befitting the world.

There are people who have crept into the Church (the Body of Christ) who have a form of godliness but deny God’s power. They encircle themselves with sparks and walk in the light of a fire of their own making. Creating a substitute light, they claim to have the real thing. With fancy words and confusing doctrine, they tickle the ears of those who are immature in the faith or are new born babes in search of the truth.

Turn away from such people. They are ravenous wolves in sheep clothing. They know the truth of God’s Word, yet have turned away to doctrines preached straight from the pit of hell. Knowing that you have the Light within you, they will purpose in their heart to turn others against you. Using religion as their backbone they will go to great lengths in order to label you as a heretic.

How will you recognize them? You must become a fruit inspector. Do they walk in love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control behind the scenes as well as in front of an audience? If not, turn away from them. They are the blind leading the blind.

Who out there fears God, actually listens to the voice of his servant? For anyone out there who doesn’t know where you’re going, anyone groping in the dark, Here’s what: Trust in God. Lean on your God! But if all you’re after is making trouble, playing with fire, go ahead and see where it gets you. Set your fires, stir people up, blow on the flames, but don’t expect me to just stand there and watch. I’ll hold your feet to those flames. (Isaiah 50:10-11 Message)

3 comments on “Are You a Light or a Dying Ember?”

Sometimes it’s easier to be a dedicated believer outside the church than inside. Sometimes, church is the place we go to learn to love people that we don’t like very much…but the controversies are part of what causes us to grow and also, differentiates between those who are approved by God and who aren’t.

You are right. Church is a training ground. Unfortunately, some will enter in through the doors with no other purpose than to disrupt. We still gotta love em though. I imagine that even Jesus had some moments when He wanted to give Judas a swift kick of love in the hind quarters.